People who use alcohol or other drugs before 18 are six times more likely to become addicted than those who don’t start until they’re 21 or older.

Another study shows that 90% of adults who started using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs started using their drug of choice before 18.

But we know we can stop addictions before they start.

• Talk with kids about tobacco and they’re 75 percent less likely to smoke or chew
• Talk about alcohol and they’re almost 60 percent less likely to drink and 67 percent less likely to binge drink.
• Make sure you know where your teens are going and who they’ll be with.
• Download a family plan and talk through possible issues your teen might face when they’re out with friends. Make sure they know the family rules and have clear consequences for breaking the rules.

Together, we can make a difference and stop dependency and addiction in its tracks.

• Help promote mental health and substance abuse for the community’s veterans
• Work to coordinate organizations that serve veterans and improve communication and cooperation between these groups
• Reach out to local vets and help them access support
• Work with the New Hampshire National Guard
• Act as an ambassador for VetCorps and help send the message that help is available and every veteran can be successful in the civilian world

VetCorps representatives will be trained in the principles of prevention and community organization. They will work with their local prevention coalitions as appropriate and provide regular progress reports and status updates. This is a one-year position starting in July; some work may be available in May or June for the right candidate. Apply today; position closes May 20.

This is an ideal position for a self-starter with an interest in helping their community. Interest in mental health, public health or veteran’s issues is preferred. Preference will be given to veterans, military service members and military family members.

Benefits include:

• Monthly living allowance (stipend $1,000 per month)
• Student loan forbearance
• Health insurance and child care payments
  (if applicable)
• Professional training and networking
  opportunities
• Non-competitive status for federal service following completed VetCorps term
• You may be eligible for an educational award

To learn more, contact Liz Hennig at (603) 477-5565 or email lhennig@sullivancountynh.gov.

Sullivan County locations include:

Claremont Savings Bank, 145 Broad Street, Claremont
Charlestown Police Department, 2 Claremont Road
Grantham Police Department, 300 Route 10 South
Sullivan County Commissioner’s Office, 14 Main Street, Newport
Sunapee Police Department, 9 Sargent Road
Washington Police Department, 5 Halfmoon Pond Road

For other locations near you, visit DEA.gov.

Register here for this free presentation; refreshments will be provided.

If you have questions, contact Heidi Matthews at (603) 835-4728 or at cbhcnh@gmail.com.

• The dangers from smoking don’t stop when a cigarette is stubbed out. One of the top sources of litter on our roads and sidewalks is cigarette butts, and they contain toxic chemicals. Learn more about smoking-related litter at The Legacy Foundation.
• When prescription or over-the-counter drugs are flushed down the toilet, they can get in groundwater and harm wildlife. Dispose of your drugs properly in the trash or go to the free Take-Back Day on April 27; learn more at this link.

Together, we can make our community a healthier and safer place.

But how can we know when alcohol is becoming a problem? Screening can help. Primary care providers, members of our community, mental health experts and even workplaces can help screen for alcohol problems. Screening can help find alcohol issues before they become a problem or help problem drinkers cut down or access treatment.

Learn more at MentalHealthScreening.org.

Here are some tips for talking with your kids about drugs and alcohol; when you talk, they listen! Teens whose parents or caregivers have sent a strong anti-drug or alcohol message are 59% less likely to drink, 67% less likely to binge, 71% less likely to use marijuana and 75% less likely to smoke. Those are great odds!

As the ice clears from New Hampshire’s beautiful lakes, remember that you can help keep them clean by disposing of medications properly; most shouldn’t be flushed. The next national Take-Back Day is coming up on April 27 – learn more about it and proper disposal here!

Research has shown for years that there are correlations between alcohol and other drug abuse and dropping out of school.  Dropouts also tend to be involved in more violent and criminal activity.

Many children who struggle in school have been mistreated at school or at home. Supporting these children and teens so they can do their best work at school benefits the whole community; not only are these students less disruptive in class, they grow into productive adults who contribute to the community through hard work and paying taxes. Communities United Regional Network continues to work with our schools to improve screening and support for these vulnerable young people.

• The top cause of children’s emergency room visits is medication poisoning, usually caused by a child obtaining a pill or liquid they shouldn’t take
• Human medication is the #1 cause of pet poisoning
• Unintentional poisoning in the US rose 160% from 1999-2009

Keeping medicine stored safely is key to helping prevent poisonings. Keep pills in their original containers, and make sure they’re away from kids. Powerful drugs like opiates should be in a locked medicine cabinet or somewhere ‘out of sight,’ like a home safe. Keep track of your medication in a daily or weekly dispenser, so you can tell if medication has gone missing.

To dispose of medicine, drop your medicine off at a Take-Back event or use the following three-step process:

• Mix your unwanted or expired medication with something ‘gross,’ like used kitty litter or coffee grounds;
• Place this in a watertight container and seal with glue or tape;
• Throw them in the trash. Flushing medication can affect the water system.

Call 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect a child or adult has been poisoned or just to ask a question. If someone’s unconscious or having trouble breathing, call 911!

Together, we can work to prevent poisonings and keep our community safe.